Q&A: more pain for Starmer but 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' for Iran

Q&A: more pain for Starmer but 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' for Iran

Author: The Times April 30, 2026 Duration: 29:09

Sir Keir Starmer has dodged a bullet on the Mandelson vetting scandal but did he expend too much political capital in the process? With local elections around the corner he’s not out of the woods yet, so what can we expect from next week's results? And more than 60 days into the Iran war, Trump has proclaimed there's 'No more Mr. Nice Guy' - so are we about to see renewed military action from the USA? Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones are here to answer your questions in our monthly Q&A.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Hosts: Manveen Rana and Luke Jones. 

Guest: Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent, The Times.

Producers: Olivia Case and Callum Martin.


We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Iran war latest: Trump warns Tehran ‘No more Mr Nice Guy’ in Truth Social post

Further listening: ‘The punishment election’: Is Labour facing a bloodbath in Wales?

Clips: The Independent, Sky. 

Image: @realDonaldTrump / Truth Social

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Trump vs Iran: deal or war? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:19
As news unexpectedly emerged that the US and Iran are to hold talks in Oman this weekend, President Trump warned Tehran that it must either cut a deal to cease all nuclear weapons development, or face the very real threa…
How to buy a happy chicken [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:52
Britain’s obsessed with chicken - we eat more than a billion birds a year. And to (literally) feed our hunger, many farmers have turned to fast-growing birds. But now, a new initiative is persuading supermarkets and rest…
How Trump’s tariffs are splitting his base [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:31
Stock markets around the world have taken a beating since Donald Trump unveiled his new tariffs. And it's not just the president's blue-collar base who'll feel the pain, so will his billionaire backers. As many in the MA…
The problem with the theory behind Trump's tariffs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:57
Last week, President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nearly all countries, including ones that don't have any human inhabitants. In the process, Trump remade the global economy in a single press conference. But the e…
Harry's war of words continues as a new Court appearance looms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
This week has provided no respite in the saga surrounding Prince Harry's resignation from the charity he founded, as news broke that he he will be in the Court of Appeal next week in his fight for tax funded police prote…
How Marine Le Pen’s conviction could strengthen the far-right [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:33
The conviction of France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen for embezzling European Union funds came as a major blow to her, preventing her from running in the 2027 presidential election race. Her party called the trial a…
The man arrested over a dispute with his daughter's school [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
When Maxie Allen complained to his daughter’s primary school about the recruitment process for a new head teacher, he hoped it would result in more openness and transparency. Instead six uniformed officers from Hertfords…
Trump's tariffs: Liberation day or demolition derby? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
Donald Trump will reveal his much-awaited tariffs today on a day he’s called ‘Liberation Day’, as world leaders and the global markets brace for impact. Speculation has been rife over how large they will be and who they…
What happens when the company that owns your DNA goes bust? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
Pioneering DNA testing company 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy after failing to live up to its six billion-dollar promise. What does that mean for the data security of the fifteen million people who handed over their ge…